A nameless pain has dulled

Behind a smoldering stare,

Still lost and involved

In a haze of gunfire  

–

Separated from the crime

From its tightening loop

As waves tremor from the mind

And fall silent in the body

–

Far from downcast eyes

From the rising stomach bile

From the cold sheen of sweat

From the inner scream’s flight

–

Far away

Robbed clean

Of everything that bleeds

Of every driving pulse

That propels fools forward